A barge cruise is definitely the way to discover Holland. The Netherlands are famous, of course, for tulips, but as a land with a
rich artistic and cultural history, it has a lot more besides. The
western provinces of this land of water are populated by windmills which
sit above the polders and along the very river that gave its name to
Amsterdam, while cities such as Haarlem and Delft are meccas for lovers
of pottery and art. A barging cruise uncovers some of Holland’s hidden
gems and is the perfect way to experience the best the country has to
offer.
Windmills
the windmills in their silent majesty as you sit in the opulent saloon
with a delicious Jenever (Dutch Gin) and tonic in hand,
acres of flowers at the world famous Keukenhof Gardens.
Gardens connects people from all across the globe who come to indulge
in and be inspired by the natural beauty of Holland, which is famous for
its bulb fields and wide variety of flowers.
After enjoying a
spectacular breakfast, we cruise to the historic city of Haarlem;
once a major trading port, Haarlem is an exciting maze of cobbled
streets and gabled houses at the center of a major bulb growing
district.
Visit Aalsmeer Flower Auction.
and demand together by means of the auction clock. Each day, 19 million
flowers and two million plants are sold through 13 clocks. The auction
begins when each cart of flowers is presented to the buyers, one at a
time. As soon as the carts are displayed, the famous Aalsmeer clock
starts ticking down from 100, and as the time falls, so does the price
of the cart. The first person to make a bid gets the cart and they have
been known to sell within hundredths of a second. Buyers don’t have to
purchase the entire cart which is compiled of a number of crates, but
the bidding continues until everything is sold.
Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, you will walk over a specially designed
gallery where you can enjoy the gorgeous flowers and experience the
hustle and bustle of the auction.
preserve the buildings and crafts of the country’s industrial revolution
in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. With a dozen windmills, a
collection of traditional houses and workshops and a number of museums,
it offers an unparalleled insight into Dutch social and industrial
history.
Learn more about the Netherlands on our web site’s Destination page for Holland: CLICK HERE
PANACHE currently has 3 Dutch barging cruises available for 2020. Each of these weeks has a 10% discount if booked by January 6, 2020:
- March 29-April 4 – Private charter for up to 12 guests
- April 5-11: Cabin cruise
- May 10-16: Cabin cruise
LA NOUVELLE ETOILE’s Dutch Tulip cruises are fully booked. Book early for 2021.
The
12-passenger Hotel Barge Panache cruises in Holland & Belgium
during the springtime, then through Paris to Champagne, and finishes
their season in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France.
HOLLAND
- Route: Between Alkmaar and Delft, Netherlands – Click for Dutch itinerary
- Dates: March 22 – May 16, 2020
- Accommodations: up to 12 passengers in 6 ensuite staterooms
- Charters and Cabin cruises
- Itineraries: See all itineraries
- Learn more: Online brochure
Cruise Highlights
- Tour Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world
- Visit the Aalsmeer flower auction
- Tour the fascinating conservation area at Enkhuizen
- Visit the Royal Delft pottery to see the world famous earthenware being hand-made and painted
- Tour picturesque Haarlem and visit a museum of the Dutch painter, Franz Hals
- Tour the charming city of Leiden, Rembrandt’s birthplace
Panache
The 128-foot Panache
is a 12-passenger luxury hotel barge of classic
Dutch design, fully air conditioned with spacious public areas and six
en-suite stateroms, with your choice of twin or double bed
configuration. En-suite bathrooms have twin sinks and oversize showers
with massage jets. Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship
style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience.
The salon and dining room have large panoramic windows for viewing the
passing countryside, as well as comfortable sofas, books and music, and
an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has
a heated spa pool; a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.
Panache has a highly professional crew of six, comprised of Master Chef,
Deck Hand, Tour guide, two Housekeepers, and led by a knowledgeable and
experienced Captain, who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more.
View Panache’s online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
